Better Software Magazine Articles

Finding a Mentor

Perhaps you've just changed careers and are looking for a leg up in your new chosen field. Perhaps you're an old pro wondering how to take your career to the next level. No matter how long you've been doing what you do, it's always good to have someone by your side to help move your career forward–a mentor. Elisabeth Hendrickson describes what qualities to look for in a mentor.
Elisabeth Hendrickson's picture Elisabeth Hendrickson
June 26, 2002
Asking the Right Questions and Asking Them Right

Naomi Karten shares how to ask the questions that ensure you and your customer are on the same page. Her tips include: 1) guard against conflicting interpretations; 2) don't jump to conclusions; 3) gather feedback early and often; 4) examine your rules for commenting; 5) conduct congruent questioning; and 6) find out what's important to your customers.
Naomi Karten's picture Naomi Karten
June 26, 2002
What Do They Pay You to Do?

Don't assume that because you have a title or a job description that you can take either one as literal truth. Do you really know what your company pays you to do? Understanding why you were hired can help you assess whether your company's expectations are a match with the personal mission that motivates you.
Johanna Rothman's picture Johanna Rothman
June 26, 2002
Confessions of a Lapsed Academic

After almost twenty-five years as a professor, Elaine Weyuker left academia for full-time work at AT&T. Here, she shares how industry and academia can both benefit from collaborating.
Elaine J. Weyuker
June 26, 2002
The Downsizing of High-Tech America

The success or failure of a downsized organization depends on the work force remaining after the storm. Before deciding to change jobs, survivors should carefully analyze their company's situation. Downsizing many be an indicator of poor economic peformance, or it may be just what the company needed in order to turn itself around. Employees who "weather the storm" may discover new opportunities for career advancement hidden among the ruins.
Stefan Jaskiel
June 26, 2002
At What Cost?

The phrase "Internet Time" connotes urgency. But Technical Editor Esther Derby urges readers to think beyond the fast pace of Internet development, and consider the true costs and benefits of making the deadline.
Esther Derby's picture Esther Derby
June 26, 2002
Checking out of the Burnout Ward

Stefan Jaskiel helps you recognize the signs of job burnout (complacency, difficulty focusing, careless attitude, and helplessness), and offers some strategic interventions.
Stefan Jaskiel
June 26, 2002
The Risk in Risk Management

What happens when you perceive a future risk, and others don't? Peter de Jager lays out the hazards of being a risk management visionary.
Peter de Jager's picture Peter de Jager
June 26, 2002
Thinking About Thinking

Esther Derby recommends The Logic of Failure and The Thinking Manager's Toolbox. Both authors share the same goal: helping you be a better problem solver. They stress the importance of recognizing the situation you're in, choosing an appropriate problem-solving strategy, and having the right thinking tools.
Esther Derby's picture Esther Derby
June 26, 2002
Houston, We Have a Problem

Errors start with individuals, and a primary job of testers/QA people is to prevent those errors in the first place. But an equally important part of the job is to find them once they are there, understanding that errors will happen. Jon Hagar asks, "What can we do personally, above and beyond the normal day-to-day jobs that we testers and developers have?"
Jon Hagar's picture Jon Hagar
June 26, 2002

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